Liverpool vs Manchester United: Combined XI

As we all now know, Thursday night will see the clash of two European giants – but not in Europe’s elite competition.

A far cry from their respective 2005 and 2008 Champions League successes, Liverpool and Manchester United have both disappointed in recent years, in terms of remaining at the top of the European football tree.

The round of sixteen first leg tie at Anfield on Thursday night will be the first time the two north-west clubs have ever faced each other in European competition, which is somewhat surprising given the amount of time they spent in the Champions League together. The pair always seemed to end up facing Arsenal or Chelsea, but never one-another, leaving this already important game having even more meaning.

Bragging rights are one thing, but European success is another and it will be a feisty affair. There is plenty of talent in the two sides – but who gets into a combined eleven, if both squads are fully fit and on form?